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Of Stitch-Wort

The Description.

STitch-wort, or as Ruellius termeth it, Holosteum, is of two kindes, and hath round tender stalks full of joints leaning toward the ground: at every joynt grow two leaves one against another. The floures be white, consisting of many small leaves set in the manner of a star. The roots are small, joynted, and threddy. The seed is contained in small heads somewhat long, and sharp at the upper end; and when it is ripe, it is very small, and browne. The Place.

They grow in the borders of fields upon banke sides and hedges almost every where.

The Time.

They flourish all the Summer, especially in May and June. The Names.

In Latine, Tota ossea: in English, All-bone. Wherof I see no reason, unlesse it be by the figure Antonomia; as when we say in English, he is an honest man, our meaning is, he is a knave: for this is a tender herbe, having no such bony substance.

The Vertues.

They are wont to drinke it in wine with the pouder of Acornes, against the paine in the side, stitches, and such like.